Zucker, who was born in Newport Beach, and Aronson, born and raised in Placentia, became the third and fourth California-born players selected in the draft at Staples Center.

A record-high four California natives were also drafted in 2008.

“A lot of coaches have taken it in and realized that California is a hotbed for hockey players,” said Aronson, who was chosen by the Nashville Predators in the third round, 78th overall. Zucker was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round, 59th overall.

They join Long Beach native Emerson Etem (29th overall to the Ducks) and Gardena native Beau Bennett (20th overall to the Pittsburgh Penguins), who were drafted in the first round Friday.

Aronson is a defenseman and the rest are wingers, but all have their own styles.

“Some have great hands, some are big hitters,” Aronson said. “They’re becoming their own players.”

In other words, Southern California is shaping up to be just like any other hockey community.

Zucker took an unusual path to reach the NHL. He lived in Newport Beach for only two months before his family moved to Las Vegas, where he began his hockey career on roller blades. Not until age 6 did Zucker lace on a pair of skates, but it was love at first sight.

Zucker came back to California at age 11 and lived in Hermosa Beach while playing for the L.A. Hockey Club for two years before moving back to Las Vegas. He was chosen by the U.S. national under-18 team in 2008 and scored 11 goals in 22 games last season.

Aronson is an alumnus of the Junior Kings and California Wave, having been to nationals once with each program.

Unlike Zucker, he was the first to play hockey in his family, eight of whom were in attendance to hear his name called Saturday.

“It’s even more special to have your family involved,” Aronson said.

In his first year with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League last season, Aronson had five goals and 30 points in 71 regular-season games. He also had two goals and nine points in 11 playoff games.

Aronson joins Long Beach native Jonathan Blum in the Nashville Predators’ organization. Blum was the highest Californian ever drafted when Nashville selected him 23rd overall in 2007. The high-scoring defenseman completed his first professional season in 2009-10, when he scored 11goals for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League, Nashville’s top farm team.